5 Questions with Krystiann Dingas and Emilia Stubbs Grigoriou

Emilia Stubbs Grigoriou: What are the best and what are the most difficult aspects of Ros and Guil?
Krystiann Dingas: The best aspect has been challenging myself and reaching a point in the process that I never thought I’d reach. I’ve also loved delving into this play and discovering just how much is there – being immersed in it has made me truly appreciate the ingenuity of Stoppard’s work.

The most difficult aspect has been remembering all my lines. There have been so many times I’ve turned up to a rehearsal thinking I’ve got everything down and then soon realise that I have a bit to go before I’m off book.

What do you love about Ros?
His ambition to make something happen; he spends much of the play refusing to give up on the desire to make progress. His attempts may falter or bring him back to his starting point, but he tries, and that counts. I also find those little moments when Ros tries to make Guil happy very endearing. He considers his friend’s feelings and tries to cheer him up within circumstances that make it far too easy to remain fixated on his own thoughts and emotions.

What animal would you be and why?
I would be a fox so that I can roam the lands looking fabulous – they’re such majestic creatures.

If you could put anything on stage what would it be?
A H.P Lovecraft classic – he’s a master of horror and I’d love to bring one of his great works to life.

Why theatre?
Akin to Ros and Guil, I found myself caught-up in all the action and have had no impetus to leave. Oh, and I love performing to live audiences.

Emilia Stubbs Grigoriou

Krystiann Dingas: Why Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead?
Emilia Stubbs Grigoriou: It’s actually my favourite play and I was always devasted that I could never play Ros or Guil. When our director and good friend Chris McKay came to us with the idea we couldn’t say no. The gender reversal of this play is a very interesting way to talk about the marginalisation of females/female roles in plays.

What have you loved about the process?
Working with an amazing cast and crew to create a very tricky world. I have also really loved making discoveries in the play. Reading and saying something a million times and then it finally hits you in the face. It’s quite satisfying.

If you could meet Tom Stoppard what would you say to him?
Is this a test?

What’s the most challenging aspect of running a theatre company?
Keeping many things in your mind at once, maintaining order and creating on a non existent budget..these are also the best parts in a way.

If you could spend the day with one character from literature, who would it be and why?
Oh I can’t lie, it would be Harry Potter. I want to go to Hogwarts. There I said it!